Above the Galaxy
Chapter 370 - 239: To Have a Son, Let It Be Like Shen Xinglan!

Chapter 370: Chapter 239: To Have a Son, Let It Be Like Shen Xinglan!

Phoenix Palace occupied a vast expanse, divided into numerous large and small squares.

Tang Fei and Phoenix walked side by side toward the courtyard where Zhong Tianque stayed. Tang Fei asked in a low voice, "How did they know I was here?"

Phoenix, without turning her head, let a mocking smile appear at the corner of her mouth, and said, "What secrets are there in the Imperial Palace?"

"That’s true," Tang Fei nodded.

He thought, the real secrets are probably unknown to you as well, right?

However, he didn’t wish for Phoenix to know too much of the messy affairs.

There was no place more vicious and filthy than the Emperor’s study. Knowing too much would distort one’s nature and trap them in the mud, never able to break free.

Until now, the fact that Phoenix could maintain such a healthy mindset was already extremely valuable.

The courtyard of Zhong Tianque was even wider and more luxurious. It was also closer to the central residence of Zhong Daolong in Phoenix Palace—after all, as the Crown Prince, he had his due status and honor.

Inside the courtyard, many people had already gathered. Seeing Tang Fei and Phoenix approaching, everyone stood up to greet them with respect.

Zhong Tianque, Zhong Tianyi, Yu Huoshui, Qin Jianyi, as well as some young lords and ladies whom Tang Fei had met before but could not remember their names...

Qin Shuang was also there, which was somewhat surprising to Tang Fei.

Qin Shuang had a proud and aloof disposition and seldom socialized or wished to interact with strangers.

However, they were all students from White Crane Academy. Currently, the academy was closed for the holidays, and being the direct descendant of the Qin Family, Qin Shuang’s invitation to the gathering by the Eldest Prince was only natural.

Zhong Tianque pointed to a spot next to him, indicating for Phoenix to sit there, and said, "It’s rare to have a day off, so I invited some friends over to have a lively time and celebrate the New Year... I hope we haven’t disturbed you?"

"Why would there be any disturbance? Little Fatty Tang Fei and I were just worrying about where to go and have fun," Phoenix said with a smile.

Zhong Tianque’s gaze fell on Tang Fei and he asked, "You’re here in the palace, and you didn’t come to sit with me?"

Tang Fei showed a bitter smile and said, "We only just arrived and hadn’t even finished a cup of tea when we received Your Highness’s invitation... So, we set down our teacups and hurried over with Princess."

Zhong Tianque knew that Tang Fei was not lying; he knew about their arrival even before they entered the gate of Phoenix Pavilion. The palace was full of his informants, and such things could not be concealed.

"When you have time, you are welcome to come and visit more often," Zhong Tianque invited.

"Yes," Tang Fei replied respectfully.

Zhong Tianyi watched with a smile. He knew his elder brother was drawing Tang Fei to his side, but he couldn’t say much about it.

His brother was the Crown Prince, the future King.

For him to recruit talent for his own use was only logical, but if he were to do the same, it would bring him envy and hatred.

What do you think you’re doing?

Without a proper title, words do not follow easily.

Phoenix didn’t sit beside Zhong Tianque and said, "I’m going to sit with Qin Shuang and the others. What’s the fun in sitting with you? You don’t understand anything about dresses, bags, or cosmetics..."

Then, to Tang Fei she said, "You go and talk more with the eldest brother."

"Alright," Tang Fei nodded.

He knew that Phoenix wanted him to foster a good relationship with Zhong Tianque.

If he could catch the eye of the future King, then upon his return after completing his studies, his future would indeed be bright.

Unfortunately, they were destined to not become friends.

Zhong Tianque looked at Tang Fei and asked, "You’ve met everyone here, haven’t you?"

"There are a few faces I recognize, but I don’t know their names," Tang Fei said with a smile. "I would appreciate Your Highness’s help with the introductions."

"No problem," Zhong Tianque was also happy to do this and said, "Let me introduce you."

Everyone present saw Zhong Tianque walking around with Tang Fei, each with their own calculations, all weighing this guy’s current clout as well as how to interact with him in the future.

After the introductions were over, Tang Fei casually took a seat next to Yu Huoshui.

"It has been a while, young master Yu still has the same charm," Tang Fei greeted Yu Huoshui with fundamental politeness.

Yu Huoshui let out a cold laugh and said, "No matter how good you are, you’re still not as good as yourself, right? You must be the most talked-about person in Phoenix City for the past six months, aren’t you? Who could compare with you?"

"How could that be?" Tang Fei said with a face full of modesty, "With my senior brother around, who could steal his thunder?"

"Your senior brother..."

Yu Huoshui paused for a moment before he remembered that the senior brother he was referring to was Shen Xinglan, the Head of the Seven Stars.

Both of them were currently studying under Great Grandmaster Xuanyuan Mingjing, truly considered as fellow disciples.

Tang Fei mentioned his senior brother right off the bat, showing enormous respect and admiration. Could it be that their relationship was this close?

But, because of Phoenix’s presence, shouldn’t the two of them be love rivals?

Phoenix was now attending the event with him, clearly making a choice between the two.

That is to say, in the love battle between Tang Fei and Shen Xinglan, Tang Fei had already emerged victorious.

Shen Xinglan seemed mild-mannered and indifferent to everything, but deep down, he was incredibly proud and conceited. Could he accept such a defeat?

He didn’t believe that they could get along peacefully, there must be some unknown secrets he wasn’t aware of.

"Senior brother Xing Lan just won the Martial Arts championship at the Heavenly Dao Exchange Conference, defeating numerous opponents from Ost... one man, one sword, battling a country, winning over a country. Who else could snatch away such limelight?"

Tang Fei deliberately raised his voice, his expression serious and earnest as he spoke: "How fortunate I am to have witnessed the miracle created by senior brother Xing Lan... Such a man deserves all the honor and praise he gets."

"It was from that moment that I was completely convinced by senior brother Xing Lan. He is the beacon guiding my way, the idol I worship, and for my entire life... I will forever learn from senior brother Xing Lan."

"I’ve heard there’s an old saying in Phoenix City, ’To have a son like Shen Xinglan’... If I could have a son, I too would wish for him to be like senior brother Xing Lan..."

"..."

The people present all looked at Tang Fei with strange expressions.

Why did this praise sound so awkward?

He was clearly praising Shen Xinglan, yet why did it seem a bit off?

To have a son like Shen Xinglan...

That phrase was spoken by the old master Shi Ce of the Shi Family to Shen Wuxiang of the Shen Family, with a tone of envy and an attitude of admiration from an elder.

You have a son like Shen Xinglan...

Who are you scolding?

"What’s the matter?" Tang Fei asked with a clueless expression, "Don’t you think senior brother Xing Lan is remarkable?"

"Definitely, Shen Xinglan is indeed impressive."

"He surely deserves the title of the number one young talent in Phoenix."

"I haven’t had a drink with brother Xing Lan in a long time, I really wonder how powerful he has become..."

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Under Tang Fei’s "inquisition," everyone echoed in agreement.

They certainly didn’t want to be known for "envying" Shen Xinglan.